Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), which is set to go public with a Rs 2,000-crore IPO, has appointed Alok Gupta as its new managing director and chief executive.

Gupta joins from Essar Capital, where he led the technology and services vertical. He has worked for consumer companies such as Dabur, United Spirits, and Cafe Coffee Day for over three decades. Shekhar Ramamurthy, the former CEO of United Breweries, will remain on the board as executive deputy chairman.

Officer's Choice, one of the world's best-selling whiskies, Jolly Roger Rum, and Kyron brandy are all part of ABD's portfolio.

"ABD has always been a leading player, the transition journey it has embarked upon is indeed an exciting challenge and I am happy to lead the transformation agenda," stated Gupta.

In FY22, the largest homegrown liquor company had sales of Rs 7,196 crore, selling 28.6 million cases of alcohol and holding a 7.4% market share in the IMFL (India-made foreign liquor) market.